not horrible nor great

Don't listen to the negative reviews

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

I waited to see this film for along time. Tricky subject -- older actor falling for young girl. It could be quite ugly.We have Peter O'Toole as Maurice the greatly celebrated actor-- we have Leslie Phillips playing Ian one of his contemporaries and Jodie Whitaker as young relation of Ian's. Peter 'lifeforce' O'Toole gives once again one of those performances that cuts through the potential trickiness with great power. Jodie Whitaker realises he is famous and uses him for what she can get - then slowly and gradually begins to warm to and appreciate him. This is hugely touching film with strong performances from great British actors and Jodie Whitaker isn't phased by any of it-- she is very impressive. There is also a lovely musical score with beautiful songs by Corinne Bailey Rae which definitely soften the subject. Clever direction too from Roger Michell.

Seldom have a finished watching a movie with such a feeling of sadness mingled with joy. This film really connects with its subject matter in a way few films do. Superlative acting, a great script, and a touching story. Peter O'Toole acts better with just his voice then most actors can with the entire screen to work with. Jodie Whittaker was incredible in this her first big part, captivating the screen with both her youth and beauty, as well as her fragile and vulnerable ego. All in all, this was one of the finest and bravest films I have viewed in a very long time.The story, filmed in parts of London that I have never seen on screen, was wonderfully filmed. The cast of veteran actors including Leslie Phillips, Richard Griffiths and Vanessa Redgrave, work together like the natural lifelong friends. It is the chemistry between O'Toole and Whittaker, however, that really sets this film apart. The veteran and the young fledgling really light up the screen with such a tenderness and hunger, both wanting what they other has to offer, and giving what they can to see that happen. Treat yourself to this movie, you won't be disappointed.

Michell tells an unconventional story of an aged actor who's fallen for a very young lady. What makes this story different from other old v/s young love stories is that the relationship is very sexual in nature. Maurice clearly sees Jessie as a very sexual being and he would definitely go far enough if she had allowed it. Yet, Jessie herself isn't completely innocent. She is completely aware of his feelings and takes advantage of it. While this part of their relationship is uncomfortable to watch, there is another side to it. Maurice clearly is infatuated with this girl but he never forces himself on her. On the one hand his despair is understandable as he's a man in the last stage of his life. He's maintained a friendly relationship with his estranged wife but his children won't have anything to do with him. He chats with his friends at a café. The only roles offered to him are those of corpses. While he struggles getting up from bed to live his miserably lonely life, it is the entrance of Jessie that changes that. She's young. She's attractive. She's vibrant (though a little tempered). The young Jessie isn't evil either. She too enjoys Maurice's company. Perhaps her feelings towards him were part sympathy part affection. Though both characters are initially portrayed in an unsympathetic way, they manage to build a bridge that connects to the viewer.Hanif Kureishi is known for telling stories about unconventional relationships and here too he does a good job. It is well paced. Some might find it slow but I think it works for this kind of film. The dialogues are solid, both funny, poetic and get you to say 'hmm!'. Also the comedic situations are well executed like the one where Maurice and Jessie go shopping and Maurice only offers to pay 20. The cinematography and score do a good job of demonstrating the loneliness, dullness and somewhat carelessness of London. Meanwhile Corinne Bailey Rae's soothing voice highlight the gentle songs.Peter O'Toole delivers a marvelous performance. I'm glad to see that actors like him and Vanessa Redgrave do not shy away from playing such roles of elderly people. He is charming, kind, passionate (with Venus), somewhat appalling and sympathetic. Redgrave has two scenes of which she does nothing short of greatness. Confidant newcomer Jodie Whitaker more than just holding her own to veteran O'Toole. She adds a freshness and displays Jessie's growth with great confidence. Leslie Phillips too does a fine job as Maurice's friend. He's particularly funny in the scenes where he expresses his dislike for Jessie.'Venus' is a refreshing, sincere little film sans pretense. It's got wonderful performances, intriguing characters, solid dialogue and an unusual story.

Peter O'Toole takes my breath away. As the movie started I didn't think I would enjoy it, but I was sucked in by the magic. O'Toole, Phillips and Griffiths show us where old actors go - their graveyard if you like - and when Phillips' great niece is thrust upon him, and he is revolted, O'Toole starts to be nice to her and falls madly for the image of young womanhood and all it had meant to him. There are splendid scenes with his wife, played as ever flawlessly by Vanessa Redgrave (all hail to thee) and we are captivated by the unravelling story of an old man's final passion and its inevitable final curtain. Betrayed by the young woman's controlling boyfriend (watch out for him, he can act without speaking) O'Toole is then spiralling downwards and outwards from this life, and somehow inveigles the girl to take him to his seaside haunt. He dies happy, with wet feet and she is changed for ever. It's true, it's not a comfortable watch,(but it's not creepy and it is funny) but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Where will we ever find their like?